I've been reading Teresa Benedicta. Been working on The Science Of The Cross for a few weeks. I'm really, really enjoying it so far. It's this fascinatingly powerful combination of mystical writing and really exact, precise writing. Teresa is very clear to define all her terms and make sure she is not misunderstood, but you never lose the sense that you are exploring something that can't be fully grasped with words, even the most precise words.

I didn't know going in that the book is devoted to the life and thought of John of the Cross. But now that I'm reading it, I've become fascinated by John, and want to read him in his own words sooner or later.

This is all underscoring the fact that I've kind of unexpectedly developed an interest in Carmelite spirituality. I always figured if I was going to be drawn to one particular order in the Church, it would be the Dominicans, because I love Aquinas and I love Catherine of Siena, and I love the Rosary, too. But the Carmelites have kind of come out of nowhere and snared my attention. I love Teresa of Avila, and I love what I've read of Teresa Benedicta, and I really want to read John of the Cross.